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Obama Says Iraqis, Kurds Take Major Step Forward With Dam's Recapture

U.S. Airstrikes Help Iraqi and Kurdish Forces in Retaking Mosul Dam From Islamic State

During a press conference on Monday, President Obama said Iraqi and Kurdish forces have proven to be capable of defending themselves against the Islamic State after successfully reclaiming control of Mosul Dam. Photo/Video: WhiteHouse.gov

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama on Monday said Iraqi and Kurdish forces, aided by U.S. airstrikes, had taken a "major step forward" by recapturing Iraq's largest dam from the Islamic State, showing that the country's disparate population can come together to confront the Sunni extremists.

"So this operation demonstrates that Iraqi and Kurdish forces are capable of working together and taking the fight to ISIL," Mr. Obama said, referring to the militant group by a common acronym. "If they...